ISL is an extensive and extremely informative state library organization that acts as a hub and information resource for all of the local library systems in the state. Because the information is so extensive it would be hard to mention all of the components of the ISL, instead I will note some highlights: contact information for libraries and ISL professionals, compiled lists of past years of each library system's statistics, including past budget information, and links to collections and services provided by the ISL to the smaller systems.
This tool has been helpful to me numerous times. I used the ISL to compile fine and fee information for a study I completed in my statistics class. I have used the information to contact ISL professionals. I have used the site to get into contact and call library systems throughout Indiana. In the future, I expect to use this site or other similar states sites monthly in my library work.
I first encountered this site during a SLIS course when I was attempting to find a comprehensive list of all the library systems in Indiana.
The ILF promotes libraries throughout Indiana. Like a library system, the ILF has its own strategic plan, board of directors, and even meeting minutes available online. After a library system joins, the are put into one of five districts. The ILF is a good resource because it offers professional resources, events and program links, and the site offers information about the ILF's conference.
Similar membership organizations like this exist in many states and it is good to know for future reference where these sites have online presence.
I only recently found out this tool existed, but many libraries use it throughout the state and I feel as if it is an important resource.
Indiana State Library
1. "Indiana State Library." 2012. IN.gov. 20 Apr. 2012. http://www.in.gov/library/index.htm .
Indiana Library Federation
2. "Indiana Library Federation. 2012. Spinweb. 20 Apr. 2012. http://www.ilfonline.org/resources/online-vendors/.